AxleHub
Elite Member
I mainly use the bucket for hauling dirt or snow and have been putting around 450lbs of weight on the 3pt and have filled rear tires(about 90lbs worth of RV anti freeze per tire). Does this sound like it's about the right amount to reduce wear and tear on the front axle or overkill? IMO with the small bucket I just don't see how you can get enough dirt or snow in it to have to worry about overloading the front end. Stability wise the tractor is plenty stable with a full bucket using the current weight setup.
Gunner, in my case I often have 600 or more pounds on my fork set on the fel (not clamp ons, but not bucket) and I have some less rear weight than that most of the time and I'm fine. The real keys are:
How high do you lift your fel bucket . . The higher the more counterbalance weight 's needed.
Secondly what is the terrain. Flat concrete is much different than soft ground or incline or sidehill or rough ground. And some of those conditions don't just depend on counterweight . . . But also speed and side to side stability.
And the biggest of reminders is if you are on inclines or sidehill always be in 4wd because the brakes only work on the rear wheels in 2wd as well as hydraulic/engine braking.